Construction Studies
Leaving Certificate Construction Studies provides students in the senior cycle of post-primary education with an introduction to the knowledge and skills involved in construction technology and construction materials and processes.
Why Study Construction Studies
This practical subject gives students hands-on experience working with tools and machinery. Students also undertake theoretical and background work for their final examinations which provides the students with useful skills for working in the sector.
What kind of Student would Construction Studies suit
- It is recommended that a student taking Leaving Certificate Construction Studies has a general interest in buildings and the built environment.
- Each student should have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work.
Course Overview
Construction Studies introduces students to the knowledge and skills associated with construction technology and construction materials and practices.
This is achieved through both theoretical study and integrated practical projects which provide a basis for the thorough exploration of materials and processes.
Course Content
The course is essentially about the study of buildings and the built environment. The theoretical part of the course examines all parts of building from the planning stages to the completed building. The course is studied under the following main headings:
- Planning and Design
- Drawings and Documents
- Site Preliminaries and Foundations
- Walls, Partitions
- Floors, Roofs
- Fireplaces
- Windows and Doors
- Stairs
- Plastering and Painting
- Plumbing and Heating
- Services Drainage
Student Resources
What the student needs during year:
- The textbook – Get Constructive (Educate.ie) Eva Corcoran, Sean King, William Nolan
- Exam Papers – Students need to practice exam questions for familiarisation and revision
- Hard Back Copy – For homework, notes and exam questions
- Sets Squares – For construction drawing details
- Project Materials – Each pupil is responsible for sourcing their project materials
- Disposable\Digital Camera\Camera Phone – Used to take photos of project progress to put in their folders
- Printer Cartridges – If student is typing their portfolio they may need fresh cartridges for printing.
- Portfolio Folder
Exam Structure
The Construction Studies syllabus is examined in three parts:
- The Written Examination (50%)
- The Project and Portfolio (25%)
- The Practical Exam (Bench Test 25%)
The Written Examination
This exam is sat in June, and examines the student’s knowledge of construction technology topics. Students must answer five questions out of a choice of ten, however question 1 is mandatory. This paper is worth 300 marks which is 50% of the total marks
The Project and Portfolio
Students must make a project based on any area of Construction Studies which they are interested in. They must choose a project to make at the beginning of fifth year and start production straight away. Materials for this project must be sourced by themselves and the project completed in class. A portfolio must accompany the project detailing how it was made. This project and portfolio is worth 150 marks (25%) and must be completed by the end of April.
The Bench Test
The Practical Exam or bench test is a four hour exam which tests student’s woodworking skills. They must make a selected project within the time provided without the use of machines or teacher guidance. This exam is held in May and is worth 25% of the total marks.
Career Possibilities
Studying this subject will be useful for anyone thinking of working/studying in the following areas:
- Building Management
- Carpentry
- Electrician
- Town Planning
- Insurance Claims
- Heating and Ventilation
- Housing Management